News Archive

May 20, 2024 | Georgia Ports Auto Volumes Up 44 Percent in April

Colonel’s Island Terminal at the Port of Brunswick handles a mix of autos, construction and farm equipment. At 1,700 acres, it is the largest autoport in the nation by terminal space. For the fiscal year-to- date through April, the Port of Brunswick has moved a record 709,545 units of autos and machinery, an increase of 19 percent over the previous year. Find print-quality images here. (Georgia Ports)

GPA Board re-elects officers

May 21, 2024 – In its busiest month ever for autos and heavy equipment, the Georgia Ports Authority handled a record 80,600 units of Roll-on/Roll-off cargo in April, an increase of more than 44 percent, or 24,760 units, compared to the same month last year, according to a report to the GPA Board.

Also at the May 21 meeting, Board members re-elected Chairman Kent Fountain, Vice Chairman Alec Poitevint and Secretary-Treasurer Chris Womack to a second term in those positions. The officers were first elected in 2023. Their new terms start July 1.

“I want to thank Kent, Alec, and Chris, as well as the entire team at GPA, for their leadership in making our ports an incredible driver of economic opportunity,” said Gov. Brian Kemp. “Thanks to their efforts, Georgia’s ports have navigated recent challenges in global trade while continuing to outpace the competition.”

GPA President and CEO Griff Lynch said several factors are leading to growth at the Port of Brunswick.

“Asian imports remain strong, but we are also seeing an uptick in vehicle exports, new customers have chosen Georgia Ports, and we have increased capacity for existing customers,” Lynch reported at the GPA board meeting. “Additionally, manufacturers are working to raise dealership stocks from the current 14-day inventories to 30 days’ worth of vehicles.”

In addition to organic growth, diversions from the Port of Baltimore increased volumes at Colonel’s Island Terminal. Approximately 9,000 import vehicles were diverted to Brunswick, as well as another 1,000 units of high/heavy equipment. Heavy machinery exports were up by 500 units compared to GPA’s monthly average of 246 units for fiscal year 2024. “We are expecting the impact of diverted cargo to taper off in June, as the Port of Baltimore works to fully restore service,” Lynch added.

For the first three quarters of FY2024 (July 1, 2023 – March 31, 2024), GPA averaged 69,880 units per month in total Ro/Ro.

April Container Volumes

In container trade, the Port of Savannah moved 441,000 twenty-foot equivalent container units in April, an increase of 8 percent, or more than 32,000 TEUs compared to the same month last year. It was GPA’s third busiest April on record after 2021 and 2022.

“The teamwork among our GPA employees, ILA locals, stevedores and others delivers the world-class service that cargo owners have come to expect from Georgia Ports,” said GPA Board Chairman Kent Fountain. “The unmatched efficiency at the ports of Brunswick and Savannah is one reason Georgia has been chosen as the best state to do business for ten years in a row.”  

Import loads reached 211,900 TEUs, up 8.3 percent or 16,200 TEUs compared to April 2023. Export loads accounted for 122,500 TEUs last month, an increase of 4,235 TEUs or 3.6 percent.

BOARD OFFICER BIOS

Kent Fountain serves as the President & CEO of Southeastern Gin & Peanut, Inc. in Surrency.  Fountain attended the University of Georgia where he obtained a degree in Agricultural Economics.  In 1995, Fountain began Southeastern Gin, Inc. and in 2004 built a peanut buying point, and the firm became Southeastern Gin & Peanut, Inc. In 2015, Fountain was instrumental in starting Premium Peanut, LLC, where he currently serves as Chairman.  The recipient of numerous awards, Fountain received the Southeastern Ginner of the Year award in 2001 and the Horace Hayden National Ginner of the Year award in 2016.  He and his wife, Missi, live in Screven and have two sons attending the University of Georgia.

Alec Poitevint is the chairman and president of Southeastern Minerals, Inc. and its affiliated companies headquartered in Bainbridge. Poitevint is a past chairman of Georgia Ports Authority, having previously served the Authority from 2007-2016.  He is also a  former president, vice-chairman and director of First Port City Bank of Bainbridge. He is past chairman of the American Feed Industry Association and National Feed Ingredients Association.  He serves as a director of the Georgia Agribusiness Council and was Federal Commissioner of the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) Water Compact.  Poitevint was a former mission member of the U.S. Agricultural Trade and Development Mission to Europe in 1990 and U.S. Delegate to the World Food Summit in 2002.

Chris Womack is the president and CEO-elect of Southern Company, one of the nation’s leading energy providers serving 9 million customers. Prior to his current role, since 2021 he served as chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power, leading Southern Company’s largest subsidiary. He assumed leadership of Georgia Power after serving as executive vice president and president of external affairs for Southern Company where he led overall external positioning and branding efforts including the company’s public policy strategies and oversaw the company’s governmental and regulatory affairs, corporate communication initiatives and other external and strategic business engagements.  Prior to joining Southern Company, Womack worked on Capitol Hill for the U.S. House of Representatives. He is co-chair of the Edison Electric Institute Customer Solutions Policy Committee and a member of the board of directors of Invesco Ltd.

About Georgia Ports

Georgia’s ports and inland terminals support more than 561,000 jobs throughout the state annually, contributing $33 billion in income, $140 billion in revenue and $3.8 billion in state and local taxes to Georgia’s economy. GPA anticipates investing $4.5 billion in the next ten years as part of its port master plan to expand cargo handling capabilities to support future supply chain requirements. As part of GPA’s community engagement efforts, $6 million will be donated to communities located near the Port of Savannah to support a multi-year, local workforce housing initiative. CNBC ranked Georgia #1 in the U.S. for infrastructure in America’s Top States for Business in 2023.   Area Development  – a site selection news outlet for the U.S., has ranked Georgia as the Top State to Do Business for ten consecutive years. For further information, visit gaports.com or contact Tom Boyd at tboyd@gaports.com 912-964-3884.

May 15, 2024 | Gov Kemp: Georgia Scores Top Spot in Competitive Economic Rankings

Atlanta, GA – May 16, 2024 – Governor Brian P. Kemp, in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), today announced that the state earned the No. 1 spot in Site Selection’s annual Prosperity Cup rankings for successful investment recruitment in 2023. Criteria for this national award include the total values of new and expanded facilities in the state, business-climate attractiveness, and workforce readiness.

“I always proudly tell companies across the country and the world how great Georgia is for operating and growing a business,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “This award from Site Selection just adds to a decade of evidence that the way we do business in the Peach State is working. When job creators choose us, they not only get access to the global market through logistics assets like Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and some of the fastest-growing ports in the nation, they also get a host of incredible partners at the state and local levels.”

In 2023, Georgia attracted 318 new and expanded facilities to secure the No. 1 ranking, according to Site Selection. This includes an expanded scope for the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) -- the largest project in state history. Announcing an additional 400 new jobs and $2 billion in investment last year, HMGMA’s total investment is now $7.59 billion and will net 8,500 new jobs for hardworking Georgians. Anovion Technologies represents another major project, which selected southwest Georgia for its $800 million, 400-job synthetic graphite manufacturing facility in May, breaking ground at the site in June of last year. In northeast Georgia, Meissner Corporation plans to create more than 1,700 new jobs at a new campus that will more than double the company’s manufacturing footprint in the U.S. as the company expands operations.

“The Prosperity Cup recognizes state-level economic development competitiveness,” says Site Selection’s Mark Arend. “Georgia’s consistent delivery of the location attributes required by capital investors demonstrates to our readers that it competes to win.”

On the heels of Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America’s groundbreaking in October 2022, Georgia welcomed more than 10 Hyundai and automotive suppliers in 2023 reaching middle Georgia and beyond. These suppliers will ultimately create over 4,300 new jobs and bring $1.2 billion in combined investment. Today, those numbers are even higher. In addition to HMGMA activity, Kia’s facility in West Point and the Toyota campus in Pendergrass both announced expansions during 2023, creating a combined 440 new jobs and $286 million in investment.

“Across Georgia, our economic development team is truly collaborative, including our sister state agencies, utility partners, local economic developers, and many others who work day-in and day-out to help companies and communities find the right match for mutual success,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Taking the top spot in the 2024 Prosperity Cup reaffirms that the Georgia Way works. Decades of partnerships and laying the groundwork for intentional economic development from the community level to the state level, combined with our consistent pro-business policies, have led to these positive results. Thanks to our Georgia leaders throughout the state for supporting these efforts that make a difference for Georgia families.”

For the full article on Georgia’s selection for this recognition or more information on the 2024 Prosperity Cup, visit Site Selection’s website at siteselection.com/issues/2024/may/2024-prosperity-cup.cfm. 

About GDEcD

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state’s sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a destination for arts and location for film, music, and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. Visit www.georgia.org for more information.

Contact

Garrison Douglas - Press Secretary
Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp
garrison.douglas@georgia.gov

Carter Chapman - Deputy Press Secretary
Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp
carter.chapman@georgia.gov

Jessica Atwell - Communications Manager
Georgia Department of Economic Development
JAtwell@Goergia.org

May 14, 2024 | Macon Named 2024 Great American Main Street!

Main Street America announced that NewTown Macon in Macon, Georgia, has received the prestigious Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA), which recognizes communities for their excellence in comprehensive preservation-based commercial district revitalization. 
 
Selected by a national jury of industry professionals and local leaders in the fields of economic development and historic preservation, NewTown Macon is being recognized for leading a community-driven effort that nurtures local talent, fosters sustainable development, and promotes inclusivity.
 
“NewTown Macon exemplifies the importance of growing from within and investing in local human capital, leadership, and pride in community,” says Erin Barnes, President and CEO at Main Street America. “From generational wealth building programs to pride of place initiatives, NewTown Macon offers an impressive model that centers the needs, desires, and dreams of locals.”
 
Situated on the banks of the Ocmulgee River, downtown Macon is bustling with over 120 locally owned and operated restaurants, retailers, and entertainment venues. In 1996, the same district struggled with boarded up storefronts and neglected, vacant buildings. Where many saw a dead and decaying downtown, others envisioned a world-class city. Through the tenacious leadership of Juanita Jordan (inaugural director of the Peyton Anderson Foundation), a team of stakeholders from local institutions and the business community rallied to form NewTown Macon.
 
Since NewTown Macon's inception, the organization has used the concept of the Main Street Approach™ for community transformation. Macon officially became a Main Street community in 2011 and NewTown Macon adopted the Main Street program in 2018, leading to more synergy in Macon's revitalization efforts and strengthened communication efforts amongst all downtown stakeholders. Also beginning in 2011, the organization began investing in strategies to enliven the district through downtown housing and small business development.
 
A $5 million revolving loan fund issued by Bibb County kick started NewTown Macon’s loan program and led to the organization becoming Central Georgia’s first and only Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) in 2021. Through accessible loan capital using historic tax credits, NewTown Macon has added 371 units of housing, 67 storefronts, and over 1000 residents to date.
 
“We are deeply honored to accept the Great American Main Street Award, a recognition that underscores the collaborative spirit and dedication of our entire community,” said Emily Hopkins, Vice President of External Affairs and Main Street Macon Manager at NewTown Macon. “This award celebrates our shared vision for downtown Macon's revitalization, where every citizen actively contributes to creating a vibrant and prosperous future for generations of Maconites to come.”
 
NewTown Macon's core values of local loyalty, imagination, action, empowerment, and accountability, serve as cornerstones for the organization’s commitment to grassroots revitalization efforts. To ensure that their work reflects the diversity of the community, NewTown Macon engages in initiatives designed to foster a welcoming district and to nurture generational wealth building through entrepreneurship and property ownership. Through their CDFI, entrepreneur and developer academies, and Downtown Diversity Initiative—an entrepreneurial training program formed in partnership with the Macon-Middle Georgia Black Pages—NewTown Macon has increased the number of Black-owned businesses in downtown from 28 to 50. They have also helped 23 local entrepreneurs purchase and renovate commercial spaces for their businesses, creating stability and pathways for community wealth.
 
“This accolade recognizes Macon's remarkable achievements in transforming its downtown into a vibrant hub where the entire community can gather and engage in rich, cultural experiences,” said Jessica Worthington, Director, Office of Downtown Development at Georgia Department of Community Affairs. “Macon's dedication to fostering a welcoming and dynamic urban center sets a shining example for our state and cities nationwide.”
 
NewTown Macon bolsters their commitment to building the local business community through engaging promotional events that encourage visitors to patronize downtown retailers. Also instrumental in building a vibrant and active community of advocates is the Downtown Macon Hype Team. Launched in 2021 in partnership with Visit Macon, the team is made up of 60 volunteers who serve as ambassadors, providing information to visitors, building strong relationships with businesses, and spreading positive news about downtown Macon on social media. Similarly, NewTown Macon and the Urban Development Authority of Macon-Bibb County collaborated to develop the Macon Action Plan through cooperative planning, and worked with philanthropic partners to pilot the Downtown Challenge Fund, which has leveraged $4.5 million to implement 80 percent of the action plan’s strategies through nearly 100 grants pitched and implemented by residents.
 
“Macon’s revitalization took a dramatic turn for the better when the Main Street Approach was implemented to bring structure to our communication and efforts. The process unlocked the power of our teamwork and allowed us to build a community plan in the Macon Action Plan that was open, transparent, and democratic, and gave us the tools to implement the plan quickly,” remarked Alex Morrison, Executive Director at Macon-Bibb Urban Development Authority & Director of Planning and Public Spaces. “It has been a true joy to work with such a strong, devoted team to turn what was once merely potential to being what we believe to be the most sincere, inclusive, vibrant, kinetic, and best ‘Main Street’ in America.”
 
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ABOUT THE GREAT AMERICAN MAIN STREET AWARDS
The Great American Main Street Award program recognizes communities exemplifying the use of the Main Street Approach™ to revitalize commercial districts. Winners are selected from a nationwide pool of applicants by a jury of Main Street professionals and leaders in the fields of community and economic development and historic preservation. Since the award’s inception in 1995, over 110 Main Street programs have been honored as GAMSA communities. For more information, visit mainstreet.org/gamsa.

May 13, 2024 | UGA Workforce November Conference

Save the Date!  4th Annual Workforce Conference  November 12-13, 2024

Tuesday, November 12 | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wednesday, November 13 | 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel
1197 S. Lumpkin Street, Athens, GA 30602

Early-bird registration starts July 1.  Click here to visit UGA's website and get more info on the conference. 

May 7, 2024 | EPA proposes ban of acephate-based pesticides used on fruits and vegetables

One agriculture consultant said the loss “from our insecticide toolbox would be like sending a soldier off to battle without his rifle.”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to cancel nearly all uses of acephate-based pesticides, which are commonly used in fruit and vegetable production, to protect human health.

The cancellation would ban agricultural and non-agricultural uses of the chemical, except for non-food bearing tree injections, which the EPA says do not pose risks to humans or the environment.

The interim decision is based on public health risk and drinking water assessments published last year that recognized acephate as a significant contributor to certain dietary and neurological issues, including tremors, fatigue and nausea.

Read the original article by Nathan Owens in its entirety here.

May 5, 2024 | Grants, Loans and Other Funding Opportunities - May 2024

Each month, our partners at Electric Cities of Georgia (EGC) put together a curated list of grants, loans and other financial assistance programs available for consideration.  If you or someone you know is looking for funding vehicles, please click here to review the May 2024 list.   Visit the ECG Location Georgia website, too, for additional information on how they assist with economic development efforts in communities across the state. 

May 1, 2024 | Georgia Grown News

May is here and our calendars are filling up with exciting opportunities to engage with the public about Georgia Grown products.  Please read this newsletter for information regarding Flavor of Georgia, Georgia Grown Market at the Fair, networking events, and more!

The Georgia Grown Team

April 30, 2024 | May 2024 Logistics Snapshot

The Center of Innovation Logistics team is at your service every single day.  They're pros at linking companies to Georgia's top-notch logistics industry, offering tailored advice and resources to optimize supply chain strategies.  Whether it's freight transportation, warehousing, or logistics tech, they've got you covered.  Read the April 2024 Logistics Snapshot to gain additional insight.

April 22, 2024 | Georgia Ports CEO: We are Preparing for Growth

President and CEO Griff Lynch said Georgia Ports will invest $4.5 billion on new capacity to ensure the free flow of cargo through Savannah and Brunswick. Find print-quality images here. (Georgia Ports)

Georgia Ports CEO: We are Preparing for Growth

New GPA projects will double berth capacity and significantly increase, yard, gate and rail to focus on landside efficiency.

GPA will move from a 7.0 million TEU capacity port to 12 million TEUs in less than a decade. 

APRIL 23, 2024 – The Georgia Ports Authority hosted their 55th annual 2024 Georgia International Trade Conference. The event brings customers, business partners and industry leaders together to discuss the latest maritime and logistics industry developments and trends. 

India was one of the key topics discussed on conference panels. The India government is investing billions in port and transportation infrastructure to attract more foreign direct investment, improve supply chains and get the country ready for the future. With the largest population in the world now, overtaking China in 2023 - many companies are expanding their India activities. Major brands like Apple, Walmart, Samsung, Tesla and others are actively pursuing growth strategies to target India as they look to diversify sourcing locations in Southeast Asia. Four services a week connect India with Savannah and eight services a week connect the Indian Subcontinent. Even with vessel diversions around Africa, Georgia Ports is 3-5 days faster than U.S. West Coast ports.

With more than $4.5B in infrastructure projects planned in port and intermodal infrastructure over the next decade, Georgia Ports is investing in projects to enhance what Georgia Ports President and CEO Griff Lynch described as the four key components to a successful port operation: Berth space, yard capacity, trucking gate fluidity and intermodal connectivity. 

“We are always focused on growth. We want to go above and beyond to build a port that handles both future growth and supply chain disruption. We are creating a safe, trusted harbor for your cargo. Leadership is being able to see what's coming and staying ahead of it," Lynch said during his opening keynote address. At the Georgia Ports, we are building a resilient link in the global logistics chain, one that is ready to withstand any future challenges.”

The renovation of Ocean Terminal in Savannah will start coming online in 2027 and be completed by 2028 transforming the current three small berth facility into two big ship berths. A new $29 million exit ramp for truckers (financed by GPA) direct to the highway means no traffic lights from Ocean Terminal in Savannah all the way to Atlanta. The Talmadge River bridge over the Savannah River will be heightened by the Georgia Department of Transportation by 2028 to allow larger container ships into the port. The future Savannah Container Terminal on Hutchison Island is now in the permitting phase and will create three new big ship berths when completed. These ship berth improvements combined with the recent Garden City Terminal berth one project (which opened in 2023) will deliver a total of 12 big ship berths, representing a 100% increase in big ship berth capacity over the next six years and significantly increase, yard, gate and rail capabilities. 

Governor Brian Kemp said “On the backs of three straight record-breaking years for economic development, I’m proud to see the Ports of Savannah and Brunswick continuing to grow and meet the needs of both job creators and consumers,” said Governor Kemp. “Our ports have been an incredible asset in our state’s success and we are committed to their ongoing expansion. As they are projected to become some of the most called upon ports in the world, we look forward to their impact on our entire state and region.”

Georgia Ports Chairman Kent Fountain said “None of these improvements would be successful without the support of Governor Brian Kemp, the GPA team, International Longshoreman's Association and Gateway Terminals employees who work together to deliver unmatched supply chain velocity for Georgia Ports customers. We’re proud of Georgia Ports readiness for the future, investment plan, operations and speed of infrastructure execution.”

Lynch touched on demographics, manufacturing and sourcing trends as key factors driving growth in Georgia and in the U.S. Southeast.

Census data showed Georgia’s population surged in 2022, growing three times faster than the U.S. population. Economists believe that Georgia’s population will continue to grow at a pace that is at least double the national average. This trend coupled with the service area Georgia Ports serves in the fast-growing population of the Southeast region will fuel further demand growth. More and more companies are targeting the Southeast and U.S. Gulf as an attractive place to expand distribution centers. As a national gateway port, Georgia Ports serves the states of Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and others.

The manufacturing shift trend has seen the State of Georgia attract companies investing in new manufacturing sites and distribution centers. Automotive manufacturing has been a success story in the state. Hyundai’s new Metaplant in Georgia, is a $10 billion total investment (including suppliers) – and will generate 15,000 new jobs. Hyundai is pleased with the speed of the construction at the plant, describing it as the fastest in the world with the first cars scheduled to roll-off the assembly line ahead of schedule in October 2024.  The site has attracted an entire automotive logistics ecosystem to the state with 17 Hyundai suppliers selecting and building sites.  

Efficiency matters: The Savannah operating model which enables truckers to perform 80% dual moves eliminates 700,000 unproductive truck trips, avoids 10,000 tons of CO2, saves 1 million gallons of diesel fuel – this is sustainability through efficiency. 

While disruption may be here to stay, Lynch assured GITC attendees that the Georgia Ports is investing now to ensure the capacity, fluidity and connectivity needed for the future. One that will see the port growing to more than 12M TEUs in capacity by 2030.

Port of Brunswick: Roll-on/Roll-off cargo

The Port of Brunswick currently has $262M in improvements underway to add more space for warehousing and processing.  “No other Roll-on/Roll-off terminal in the U.S. has the room to scale up its operation like the Port of Brunswick,” Lynch said. Current annual throughput capacity at Colonel’s Island is 1.0 million units. When fully complete, annual throughput capacity for Colonel’s Island will reach 1.4 million units for a 40% increase.

As part of that expansion, GPA will triple its capacity for high/heavy equipment storage. For autos, another 300 acres are available on terminal for expansion. GPA is also in the process of adding a fourth Ro/Ro berth to handle additional vessels. Currently in the engineering phase, the new berth will more efficiently accommodate modern vessels capable of carrying 7,000-plus vehicles.  

About Georgia Ports

Ports are economic engines. Georgia’s ports and inland terminals support more than 561,000 jobs throughout the state annually, contributing $33 billion in income, $140 billion in revenue and $3.8 billion in state and local taxes to Georgia’s economy. Since 2012, GPA has invested $3.27 billion in building new port and inland infrastructure and is planning on spending an additional $4.5 billion in the next ten years as part of its port master plan to expand cargo handling capabilities to support future supply chain requirements. GPA’s community engagement efforts are industry-leading with a $6 million donation to communities located near the Port of Savannah to support a multi-year, local workforce housing initiative. CNBC ranked Georgia #1 in the U.S. for infrastructure in America’s Top States for Business in 2023.   Area Development  – a site selection news outlet for the U.S., has ranked Georgia as the Top State to Do Business for ten consecutive years. For further information, visit gaports.com or contact Tom Boyd, Chief Communications Officer at tboyd@gaports.com 912-964-3884.

April 16, 2024 | Brunswick sets record month for autos: Georgia Ports on track for record Ro/Ro year

The Port of Brunswick has handled nearly 629,000 units of Roll-on/Roll-off cargo for the fiscal year-to-date through March. Find print-quality images here. (Georgia Ports)

APRIL 17, 2024 – Colonel’s Island Terminal at the Port of Brunswick continued its record-setting pace in March, handling 77,236 units of Roll-on/Roll-off cargo, an increase of 13,438 units or 21 percent over the same month last year.

“March was the busiest month ever for Ro/Ro cargo in Brunswick, with organic growth and new customers driving increases in both autos and high and heavy equipment,” said Georgia Ports Authority President and CEO Griff Lynch. “Import and export trade has increased as auto makers expanded production and Colonel’s Island processors have captured additional market share in the South Atlantic region.”

Among GPA’s March Ro/Ro volumes, 4,210 units were high and heavy cargo. Fiscal Year 2024 machinery volumes now total 20,113, an increase of 6,887 units or 34 percent through the first nine months of the fiscal year, which ends June 30, 2024.

From July 2023 through March 2024, GPA has moved 628,937 total units of Ro/Ro cargo, an increase of 88,200 or 16 percent. The monthly average is 69,882 units, meaning Georgia Ports could handle an all-time record of 800,000 units by the end of its fiscal year in June.

“Brunswick’s terminal capacity, its location just two miles from I-95, and on-terminal rail facilities make it the perfect gateway to serve manufacturers and dealerships across the Southeast,” said GPA Board Chairman Kent Fountain. “The investments we are making will ensure Colonel’s Island has the capacity to meet the demand of the region’s fast-growing population for years to come.”

Twenty-three carmakers and 17 heavy machinery producers use the Port of Brunswick, which handled approximately 723,515 Ro/Ro units last fiscal year.

Colonel’s Island handled a record 52 vessels in March, up 11 vessels or 27 percent compared to March 2023. The Port of Brunswick has handled 431 Ro/Ro vessels during the first three quarters of the fiscal year. Based on its monthly average, Colonel’s Island is on track to handle a record 572 ships by the end of June. The previous record was 534, set in FY2015.

To better accommodate growing trade, the Georgia Ports Authority is increasing its infrastructure for processing autos and high and heavy equipment.

Colonel’s Island is undergoing a $262 million infrastructure program that is nearing completion. Projects are expanding capacity by adding 122 acres of Ro/Ro storage and 640,000 square feet of new processing space. These projects are more than 85 percent complete and should be finished in late summer 2024. Another 300 acres are available for development.

GPA is also in the process of adding a fourth Ro/Ro berth to handle additional vessels. Currently in the engineering phase, the new berth will more efficiently accommodate vessels capable of carrying 7,000-plus vehicles. 

About Georgia Ports

Ports are economic engines. Georgia’s ports and inland terminals support more than 561,000 jobs throughout the state annually, contributing $33 billion in income, $140 billion in revenue and $3.8 billion in state and local taxes to Georgia’s economy. Since 2012, GPA has invested $3.27 billion in building new port and inland infrastructure and is planning on spending an additional $4.5 billion in the next ten years as part of its port master plan to expand cargo handling capabilities to support future supply chain requirements. GPA’s community engagement efforts are industry-leading with a $6 million donation to communities located near the Port of Savannah to support a multi-year, local workforce housing initiative. CNBC ranked Georgia #1 in the U.S. for infrastructure in America’s Top States for Business in 2023. Area Development – a site selection news outlet for the U.S., has ranked Georgia as the Top State to Do Business for ten consecutive years.

For further information, visit gaports.com or contact Manager of Media Relations Edward Fulford at efulford@gaports.com 912-964-3806.

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